Systems and Methods for Providing Access to Resources Through Enhanced Audio Signals

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for using a hidden audio signal. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes registering, at a central database, one or more of an identifier and a destination resource associated with the identifier, and encoding the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource in a hidden audio signal. The method further includes transmitting the hidden audio signal, including the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource, in connection with an acoustic signal, and receiving the acoustic signal at a user device. In addition, the method includes decoding the encoded one or more of the identifier and the destination resource at the user device; and requesting, from the central database, information associated with the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource. Further, the method includes receiving, at the user device, the requested information.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/317,681, filed Mar. 25, 2010, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety for any purpose.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods forproviding resources and resource identifiers to user devices viaenhanced audio signals.

BACKGROUND

Mobile computer devices and smart phones have become more prevalent andubiquitous with advances in electronics, communications and datanetworks, availability of access to resources, and decreased costs. As aresult, increasing numbers of the population have access to personalelectronic devices who, in turn, require a large range of mobileapplications and access to cellular telephone networks and the Internet.In an attempt to enhance a user experience and simplify navigation,various tools have been suggested. Printed labeling or advertising, forexample, may include one-dimensional (e.g., Universal Product Code(UPC), etc.) or matrix barcodes (e.g., QR Codes, etc.) readable bydedicated barcode readers, camera phones, etc., to direct a user to aresource. A product or associated signage may include a Uniform ResourceLocator (URL) within the barcodes that, when read by an optical scanningapplication, prompts a browser client to retrieve related informationfrom the URL or access product information from a webpage identified bythe URL.

Such techniques, however, rely on printed bar codes and optical scanningto obtain information. In some kinds of communication media, such astelevision or other video presentation, it may be difficult orimpractical to encode information within bar codes or other opticalpatterns for scanning, since the clarity or resolution necessary forscanning devices to decode such patterns may be lacking. Moreover, suchoptical techniques are not applicable to non-visual communication media,such as radio or other audio or signal media.

Therefore, there is a need to provide digital information capable ofresolution by a user device through signals, such as, for example, audiosignals, and provide various mechanisms by which user devices may accessresources associated with the digital information, whether directly orwith the assistance of a separate resolution server.

The disclosed embodiments address one or more of the problems set forthabove.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to amethod providing a resource through an audio signal, comprising:generating an enhanced audio signal, the enhanced audio signal encodingresource identifier data, wherein the resource identifier datarepresents a resource identifier associated with a resource; andtransmitting the enhanced audio signal to one or more user devices.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to acomputer-implemented method for accessing a resource specified by anaudio signal, comprising: receiving an enhanced audio signal, theenhanced audio signal encoding resource identifier data, wherein theresource identifier data represents a resource identifier associatedwith a resource; detecting the resource identifier data within theenhanced audio signal; extracting the resource identifier from theresource identifier data; and retrieving the resource identified by theresource identifier.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to acomputer-implemented method for providing access to a resource specifiedby an audio signal, comprising: receiving a first request from a firstdevice to register a resource or resource identifier; registering theresource or resource identifier in a database; generating an indexidentifier corresponding to the resource or resource identifier; sendingthe index identifier to the first device for encoding within an audiosignal; receiving a second request from a second device for the resourceor resource identifier, wherein the second request includes the indexidentifier; and sending the resource or resource identifier orinformation for accessing the resource to the second device.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed toan apparatus for providing a resource through an audio signal,comprising: at least one memory to store data and instructions; and atleast one processor configured to access the at least one memory and,when executing the instructions, to: generate an enhanced audio signal,the enhanced audio signal encoding resource identifier data, wherein theresource identifier data represents a resource identifier associatedwith a resource; and transmit the enhanced audio signal to one or moreuser devices.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed toan apparatus for accessing a resource specified by an audio signal, theapparatus comprising: at least one memory to store data andinstructions; and at least one processor configured to access the atleast one memory and, when executing the instructions, to: receive anenhanced audio signal, the enhanced audio signal encoding resourceidentifier data, wherein the resource identifier data represents aresource identifier associated with a resource; detect the resourceidentifier data within the enhanced audio signal; extract the resourceidentifier from the resource identifier data; and retrieve the resourceidentified by the resource identifier.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed toan apparatus for accessing a resource specified by an audio signal, theapparatus comprising: at least one memory to store data andinstructions; and at least one processor configured to access the atleast one memory and, when executing the instructions, to: receive anenhanced audio signal, the enhanced audio signal encoding resourceidentifier data, wherein the resource identifier data represents aresource identifier associated with a resource; detect the resourceidentifier data within the enhanced audio signal; extract the resourceidentifier from the resource identifier data; and retrieve the resourceidentified by the resource identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate aspects consistent with the presentdisclosure and, together with the description, serve to explainadvantages and principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of registering and using a resourceidentifier in an enhanced audio signal transmitted in connection with atelevision signal, consistent with certain disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system for registering and using aresource identifier in an enhanced audio signal, consistent with certaindisclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a process for registering and usingresources and resource identifiers in an enhanced audio signal,consistent with certain disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a process for registering and usingresources and resource identifiers to be used in enhanced audio signals,consistent with certain disclosed embodiments; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a process for registering and usingresources and resource identifiers to be used in enhanced audio signals,consistent with certain disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein enable a user toaccess a resource identified by data contained in an audio signaltransmitted to a user device. The audio signal may be in the form of anacoustic or sound wave or a radio or other electromagnetic wave, forexample. The audio signal may be audible, partially inaudible, or whollyinaudible to humans, while the data may be carried by or embedded in theaudio signal using any number of methods or techniques, including, forexample, digital watermarking or digital fingerprinting. For example,resource identifier data representing or pointing to a resource may besuperimposed on an audio signal by appropriate modulation of the audiosignal such that the resource identifier data is conveyed by and/orhidden within the audio signal. In one embodiment, the resourceidentifier may be encoded as an inaudible (to humans) data-carryingcomponent that is added to an audio signal carrying musical content foruser consumption. While the disclosed embodiments discuss encodingresources and/or resource identifiers in audio data, the embodiments mayencompass encoding resources and/or resource identifiers in video orother data, whether analog and/or digital.

In either case, binary or other digitized data representing one or moreresource identifiers may be captured from the audio signal by a userdevice to reference one or more resources or actions. Resourceidentifiers may identify resources directly, such as, for example, e.g.,by internet protocol (IP) (e.g., IPv4, IPv6, etc.) or other networkaddress, hostname or domain name, Uniform Resource Identifier (URI),Uniform Resource Number (URN), or URL, phone number, email address, atext message, an image file, a Short Message Service (SMS) location, aMultimedia Message Service (MMS) location etc. By way of example, andnot limitation, other resources may include Media Access Control (MAC)addresses, Ethernet Hardware Address (EHA) addresses, Bluetoothaddresses, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), asubscriber identity module or subscriber identification module (SIM), aRemovable User Identity Module (R-UIM), an Internet eXchange (IPX),X.25, BLNA, a Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinate, or any othertype of identifier. Resource identifiers may also include instructionsfor performing some action, such as, for example, receiving email,forwarding or sending email, deleting email, exchanging email, usingother messaging protocols, such as, Post Office Protocol (POP), InternetMessage Access Protocol (IMAP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), orotherwise manipulating email or other messages, whether occurring in thelink layer, interne layer, transport layer, or application layer.

Or, resource identifiers may identify resource indirectly by, forexample, specifying indexes or pointers to a separate database thatcontains further information about how to access the referencedresources. In some embodiments, the indexes may be a single or multibitindexes into the separate databases. In other embodiments, the indexesmay be unique data strings that serve as indexes into the separatedatabases. The separate database may be provided by a third-partyresolution service provider or resolution server. For example, an audiosignal may embed a first URL as a resource identifier, the first URLpointing to a resolution server. Upon detecting the first URL in theaudio signal, a user device may make an HTTP request to the resolutionserver, using the first URL, which may contain path or other datauniquely identifying the resource or resource identifier to theresolution server. The resolution server may then respond to the HTTPrequest by transmitting a second URL to the user device, the second URLpointing to a resource, such as a webpage, that the user device may thenretrieve using the second URL.

In still other embodiments, resource identifiers may identify resourcesvia a computer algorithm or logic capable of execution on the userdevice, for example via particular software installed on the user devicein the form of an application, widget, or native software. Data embeddedwithin the audio signal may further include information that may be usedto authenticate the resource identifiers or resources, such as a SecureSockets Layer (SSL) certificate or other encryption keys.

Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may furtherrequest user confirmation prior to initiating an action and/or mayprovide options for how the user would prefer to take various actions,such as accessing a website, providing user location information, etc.Other embodiments include additional features and functionality such asincluding GPS-derived geolocation information as part of a HypertextTransfer Protocol (HTTP) request sent to a resource provider so as torequest a location-appropriate response, such as a request for thelocation of facilities nearest the requesting user, web pages in alanguage corresponding to the geolocation of the user, etc.

The disclosed embodiments provide a variety of benefits and features,such as improved user experience, seamless navigation to a destinationrelevant to consumer content, seamless direction of users to specificsites for marketing purposes, effective measurement of the impact ofadvertising, one-to-one direct response mechanisms for mass mediabroadcast advertising, and other benefits.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings and the following description to refer to the same or likeparts. While several exemplary embodiments and features are describedherein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations arepossible, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.For example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made tothe components illustrated in the drawings, and the exemplary methodsdescribed herein may be modified by substituting, reordering or addingsteps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detaileddescription is not intended to limit the disclosure to any specificembodiments or examples.

In some embodiments, an “audio signal” may refer to a signal that may beat least partially embodied in an acoustic signal, although the acousticsignal may be encoded within or decoded from a corresponding electronicor electromagnetic signal (e.g., digital, analog, or any combinationthereof).

As one example, a digital audio signal may be processed, amplified, andsupplied to an appropriate transducer such as a loudspeaker so as togenerate a corresponding audible or inaudible (as to humans) sound waveor acoustic signal. In some embodiments, the acoustic signal may betransmitted in a region and detected by another device, such as acellular telephone, smart phone, or other device having a microphone orother input means to detect and process an audio signal, which mayinclude conversion of the audio signal into an electronic audio signalor other digital or electronic data.

In other embodiments, the audio signal may be received directly by anelectronic device or system, such as a television, radio, smart phone,or other electromagnetic signal receiving device. The device may processthe electronic signal and produce one or more acoustic signals at one ormore frequencies. In other embodiments, the device may process the audiosignal to recover data so that it may take some further action. Forexample, the device may process the audio signal, and then transmit thedecoded data for further processing, such as by sending the decoded datato a separate resolution server via the Internet so that a URL or an IPaddress can be obtained.

In some embodiments, an “enhanced” audio signal may refer to an audiosignal that, in addition to encoding audio content data for consumptionby users, also includes resource identifier data that may be used toretrieve or identify a resource or action, such as a webpage, a URI, aURL, or a URN for a website or other resource, an email address, a textmessage, an image file, an SMS location, a MMS location, etc. Theresource identifier data may be encoded within the audio signal suchthat its auditory effect on the audio content data otherwise encodedwithin the audio signal is partially or entirely non-perceptible by ahuman user, non-comprehensible by a human user, or both.

Resource identifier data may be encoded within the audio signal in a“non-perceptible” manner by virtue of being associated with a frequencyrange at which humans are typically unable to perceive sound (e.g.,below 20 Hz or above 20 kHz). Resource identifier data may be encodedwithin the audio signal in a “non-comprehensible” manner such that,while a user may perceive sound associated with the encoding of theresource identifier data, the user could not, or would not be expectedto, perceive or understand the resource identifier data itself or thesignificance of the resource identifier data within the sound. Forexample, resource identifier data encoded within the audio signal in anon-comprehensible manner may be perceived by the user as a constanttone, random noise, or a sound just at the edge of the user's hearing,but without the user understanding any information conveyed by orencoded in the sound.

In some embodiments, a sound associated with resource identifier dataencoded within an audio signal may be perceptible and at least partiallycomprehensible by a user, but not for purposes of identifying orunderstanding the encoded resource data. For example, an audio signalmay include a series of tones at frequencies that a user can hear, butthe user may not be able to determine that the signal includes resourceidentifier data encoded in the signal. As a specific example, a themesong or commercial “jingle” may be used to direct a user's device to awebsite or other resource associated with the song, such as, forexample, a website for the advertised product, a telephone number atwhich a prerecorded message can be heard, etc. Thus the acoustic signalperceived by the user may be a combination of an intelligible audiocomponent, such as speech, and a non-comprehensible audio componentencoding resource identifier or other data that is primarily or solelymachine-readable or machine-intelligible. In this embodiment, thedistinctive sound may be identified (e.g., by fingerprinting) andassociated with one or more resources to be accessed and/or actions tobe initiated.

Resource identifiers may comprise pre-registered unique identifiers thatallow user devices to retrieve specific resources related to thehuman-comprehensible content of the audio signal. A resource identifiermay be, for example, an identifier that has previously been associatedwith a URI, URL, and/or URN of a website or other resource on a separateresolution server, or it may be a URI, URL, URN or anotherrepresentation of the resource itself.

A resource or resource identifier may be registered with a centraldatabase, such as a resolution server or resource provider server, by anentity broadcasting or publishing the content or a portion of thecontent, such as an advertiser that provides advertisements forpresentation or broadcast during other content. For example, a resourcemay provide the user further details about the content being consumedand/or may facilitate a marketing or public service campaign. In someembodiments, the resource may be updated without a need to update and/orchange the resource identifier. That is, the association between a givenresource identifier and a resource may be updated to reflect a change inthe resource to which the resource identifier points.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system and process for using an enhancedaudio signal to provide access to a resource. In FIG. 1, an enhancedaudio signal is transmitted in connection with a television broadcast.Although a television broadcast is disclosed in the example of FIG. 1,the systems and methods disclosed herein may be incorporated in any formof audio signal, such as, for example, radio signals, streaming signals,pre-recorded audio signals, etc. In addition, the systems and methodsdisclosed herein may be employed in an audio signal that is selectivelybroadcast to a specific group of people such as, patrons at a saleskiosk, an information terminal (e.g., airport flight arrival anddeparture display), or a shopping mall or other large area that mighttypically provide background music or include, for example, a publicaddress system.

Referring to FIG. 1, resource information such as a URL, a domain name,or other resource information may be registered (element 110) with oneor more central databases or other registries, such as a resolutionserver (element 155) via a network (element 115). A unique identifierassociated with the resource information also may be registered in theone or more central databases or registries. For example, a domain nameor URL may be registered with the one or more central databases orregistries and associated with a resource identifier or other identifierencoded in an enhanced audio signal. In some embodiments, the resourceidentifier itself may be a domain name or a URL

Still referring to FIG. 1, after the resource identifier is registeredwith one or more central databases or registries, an enhanced audiosignal may be created and the resource identifier embedded, encoded, orotherwise incorporated into the audio signal and broadcast (element 120)by a television or television signal broadcaster (element 115). Asillustrated in FIG. 1, the embedded or encoded signal (element 135) mayform a smaller portion of the audio signal relative to the portion ofthe audio signal that contains content for normal user consumption(element 130), such as music, speech, or other human-perceptibleand/or—comprehensible audio content. Various techniques of incorporatinginformation into an audio signal are known in the art, and the use ofappropriate techniques to incorporate the identifier into an enhancedaudio signal will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

The enhanced audio signal may then be transmitted to one or more userdevices, such as during or as part of a TV, radio, or other multicastsignal or by a TV, radio, or other device. That is, the enhanced audiosignal may comprise the radio or other electromagnetic waves transmittedby a device, such as a broadcast device, or an acoustic representationof the electromagnetic signal produced by a receiving device, such as atelevision or radio. In the former scenario, a user device may receivethe electromagnetic signal directly from the broadcasting device, andmay extract one or more resource identifiers from the electromagneticsignal. In the latter scenario, a user device may receive the acousticsound waves from the electromagnetic signal-receiving device, such as atelevision or radio, and may extract one or more resource identifiersfrom the acoustic sound waves.

In either case, resource identifier data may be provided within the sameaudio signal that contains audio content for user consumption or may betransmitted in a separate audio signal concurrently with the “primary”audio signal that contains the user content. A user may activate anapplication, such as a software application, on the user device (element145) to access the enhanced audio signal (elements 130 and 135). Forexample, a user watching a TV broadcast may activate an application onthe user device to obtain additional information about the content ofthe broadcast, access a related website or other resource, etc.

As a specific example, the user may activate an application on a smartphone, personal computer, or other similar device by entering apredefined sequence (e.g., #555) or actuating a button on the device.The user may be informed of the presence of the enhanced audio signalsuch as by regular announcements on the channel the user is watching,signs or announcements in a location such as a shopping mall or airport,or any other suitable mechanism. Alternatively, a device may be operatedin a monitoring mode to detect electromagnetic or acoustic signalsincluding an enhanced audio signal component, the device alerting theuser to the presence of data such as the availability of additionalinformation provided by the audio signal, such as an informationalwebsite designated, a telephone number, etc.

When the user activates the application, the application may receive theenhanced audio signal and may access or decode one or more resourceidentifiers embedded within the signal. The application or device maythen access the resources specified by the one or more resourceidentifiers, such as by downloading a webpage or file, sending a textmessage, making a phone call, etc. For example, the resource identifiermay comprise a URL in the form of“http://www.momandpopshop.com/deals/promotions/winter_sale_coupon.html”.Upon detecting this URL resource identifier, the application or devicemay make an HTTP request 160 to resource provider server 165 for theresource associated with the URL“http://www.momandpopshop.com/deals/promotions/winter_sale_coupon.html”,which may be provided to device 145 in an HTTP response 170 in the formof an HTML file representing a webpage.

Alternatively, the application or device may send a request thatincludes the one or more resource identifiers, or a portion or portionsthereof, to the one or more central databases or other registries madeavailable by a resolution server 155, which in turn may respond to theapplication or device by sending information on how to access theresources associated with the resource identifiers from one or moreresource providers (element 150).

For example, the resource identifier may comprise a URL in the form of“http://www.resolvecom.com/resolve.aspx?resource_id=0702021308220624”,the domain name of which may be hosted by resource provider 155. Theapplication or device may extract this resource identifier/URL from theenhanced audio signal. The application or device may then send an HTTPrequest 140 to resolution server 155, specifying the URL “http://www.resolvecom.com/resolve.aspx?resource_id=0702021308220624”. Theresolution server 155 may then look up information about the resourceassociated with the unique identifier “0702021308220624” in a databaseor other memory structure, which may reveal that the requested resourcemay be retrieved using the URL“http://www.momandpopshop.com/deals/promotions/winter_sale_coupon.html”.

Thus, resolution server 155 may send an HTTP response 150 to device 145that includes the URL

“http://www.momandpopshop.com/deals/promotions/winter_sale_coupon.html”.Upon receiving this information about how to access the requestedresource associated with the resource identifier, device 145 may make anHTTP request 160 to resource provider server 165 for the resourceassociated with the URL“http://www.momandpopshop.com/deals/promotions/winter_sale_coupon.html”,which may be provided to device 145 in an HTTP response 170 in the formof an HTML file representing a webpage.

Resolution server 155 may also record a history of requests fromparticular devices and/or users in order to build profiles that can beused to better target information to users.

A resource identifier may be embedded within in an audio signal in avariety of ways, such as digital watermarking or digital fingerprinting.For example, “digital watermarking” is the process of embeddinginformation into a digital signal in a way that is difficult to remove,i.e., if the signal is copied then the information is also contained inthe copy. In an embodiment, one or more resource identifiers orfrequencies (i.e., watermarks) may be embedded in the content beingconsumed to enable the broadcaster to point the user to a particulardestination. That is, the resource identifier included in the enhancedaudio signal may be embedded in the form of a watermark applied to thesignal, or may be otherwise related to or derivable from such awatermark.

As another example, “fingerprinting” is a technique in which software orhardware identifies, extracts, and then compresses characteristiccomponents of a signal, enabling that signal to be uniquely identifiedby its resultant “fingerprint.” Content providers and other identifiersas described herein may leverage the concept of fingerprinting,especially for pre-recorded content. For example, URLs or other resourceidentifiers may be encoded within a fingerprint of an audio signal. Whena user device receives the audio signal, it may calculate or extract thefingerprint using the same technique that was used to create thefingerprint initially, and look up the resource identifier based on thefingerprint.

An exemplary resource may include one or more web pages that areidentified based on a URL. In such an embodiment, the URL may be theidentifier included in an enhanced audio signal. As another exemplarydestination resource, in cases when the user's device is not connectedto the Internet, such as where a user's mobile device does not subscribeto a data plan, the device may be directed to a pre-configured phonenumber. For example, a software application on the device maycommunicate with one or more central databases or registries, such as aresolution server, via text messaging, such as, SMS, MMS, etc., afterwhich a response from the central database may prompt the device to calla phone number provided by the central database.

Other exemplary resources may include a file, folder, or other itemstored on the device performing detection of the enhanced audio signal.For example, if the application is designed to receive discount couponsas a user walks into a shopping mall based on an enhanced audio signalbeing transmitted in the mall, the device may detect the identifier inthe music being played in the store and accept the relevant digitalcoupons being transmitted by, for example, the public address system inthe mall. The coupons may be stored on the device, thus making thedestination resource a storage space on the device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system 200 that may beused to implement disclosed embodiments, including exemplary systemcomponents. The components and arrangement, however, may be varied.Exemplary system 200 of FIG. 2 may include network 210, resolutionserver 220, audio provider 230, resource provider server 250, and userdevice 240. Resolution server 220 may include a processor 222, a memory223, input/output (I/O) devices (not shown), and storage 221. Resolutionserver 220 may be implemented in various ways. For example, resolutionserver 220 may be a general purpose computer, a server, a mainframecomputer, or any combination of these components. Resolution server 220may communicate over a link with network 210. For example, the link maybe a direct communication link, a LAN, a WAN, or other suitableconnection. Network 210 may, for example, include the Internet ortelephony network. Resolution server 220 may be standalone or it may bepart of a subsystem, which may, in turn, be part of a larger system,such as a legacy domain registration system.

Memory 223 may include one or more storage devices configured to storeinformation used by processor 222 to perform certain functions relatedto the disclosed embodiments. Storage 221 may include a volatile ornon-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical, removable,non-removable, or other type of storage device or computer-readablemedium. In one embodiment, memory 223 may include one or more resolutionprograms or subprograms 224 loaded from storage 221 or elsewhere that,when executed by resolution server 220, perform various procedures,operations, or processes consistent with disclosed embodiments. Memory223 may be also be configured with an operating system (not shown) thatperforms several functions well known in the art when executed byresolution server 220. The choice of operating system, and even to theuse of an operating system, is not critical to any embodiment.

Memory 223 may also include a resource identifier registry program 225for registering resources or resource identifiers, a resource identifierresolution program 226 for mapping index identifiers to resourceidentifiers, and a resolution statistics compiler 227 for building userprofiles based on resources requested by users. Resolution server 220may include one or more I/O devices (not shown) that allow data to bereceived and/or transmitted by resolution server 220. I/O devices mayalso include one or more digital and/or analog communicationinput/output devices that allow resolution server 220 to communicatewith other machines and devices. The configuration and number of inputand/or output devices incorporated in I/O devices may vary asappropriate for certain embodiments.

Resolution server 220 may also be communicatively connected to one ormore data repositories 228. Data repository 228 may include one or morefiles or one or more relational and/or non-relational databases thatstore information and are accessed and/or managed through resolutionserver 220. The databases or other files may include, for example, dataand information related to registered resources and resourceidentifiers, index identifiers, and mappings therebetween, as well asuser profile data based on previous user requests.

As shown in FIG. 2, each audio provider 230 may include one or more ofthe following components: at least one processor 231 configured toexecute computer program instructions to perform various processes andmethods, at least one memory device 232 configured to access and storeinformation and computer program instructions, I/O devices 233,databases 234 to store tables, lists, or other data structures,interfaces 235, antennas 236, etc. Each of these components iswell-known in the art and will not be discussed further.

As also shown in FIG. 2, each user device 240 may include one or more ofthe following components: at least one processor 241 configured toexecute computer program instructions to perform various processes andmethods, at least one memory device 242 configured to access and storeinformation and computer program instructions, I/O devices 243,databases 244 to store tables, lists, or other data structures,interfaces 245, antennas 246, etc. Although not shown, each user device240 may include one or more programs configured to access network 210,and display information received via network 210 via a browser, such asa web browser. Each of these components is well-known in the art andwill not be discussed further.

Resource provider server 250 may include a processor 251, memory 252,input/output (I/O) devices (not shown), and storage 254. Resourceprovider server 250 may be implemented in various ways. For example,resource provider server 250 may be a general purpose computer, aserver, a mainframe computer, or any combination of these components.Resource provider server 250 may communicate over a link with network210. For example, the link may be a direct communication link, a LAN, aWAN, or other suitable connection. Resource provider server 250 may bestandalone or it may be part of a subsystem, which may, in turn, be partof a larger system, such as a legacy domain registration system.

Memory 252 may include one or more storage devices configured to storeinformation used by processor 251 to perform certain functions relatedto the disclosed embodiments. Storage 254 may include a volatile ornon-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical, removable,non-removable, or other type of storage device or computer-readablemedium.

In one embodiment, memory 252 may include one or more web serverprograms or subprograms 253 loaded from storage 254 or elsewhere that,when executed by resource provider server 250, perform variousprocedures, operations, or processes consistent with disclosedembodiments. Memory 252 may be also be configured with an operatingsystem (not shown) that performs several functions well known in the artwhen executed by resource provider server 250. The choice of operatingsystem, and even to the use of an operating system, is not critical toany embodiment. Web server program 253 may be configured to registerresources or resource identifiers, map index identifiers to resourceidentifiers, and build user profiles based on resources requested byusers.

Resource provider server 250 may include one or more I/O devices (notshown) that allow data to be received and/or transmitted by resourceprovider server 250. I/O devices may also include one or more digitaland/or analog communication input/output devices that allow resourceprovider server 250 to communicate with other machines and devices.Resource provider server 250 may receive data from external machines anddevices and output data to external machines and devices via I/Odevices. The configuration and number of input and/or output devicesincorporated in I/O devices may vary as appropriate for certainembodiments.

Resource provider server 250 may also be communicatively connected toone or more data repositories 255. Data repository 255 may include oneor more files or relational and/or non-relational databases that storeinformation and are accessed and/or managed through resource providerserver 250. The databases or other files may include, for example, dataand information related to registered resources and resourceidentifiers, index identifiers, and mappings therebetween, as well asuser profile data based on previous request user requests.

FIG. 3 presents an exemplary flow chart 300 illustrating a method ofregistering and using one or more resource identifiers in an enhancedaudio signal. In the embodiment presented in FIG. 3, a domain name orsimilar resource identifier may be transmitted to a user device via anenhanced audio signal. In FIG. 3, one or more resource identifiers, suchas, for example, a domain name, that is to be used with an enhancedaudio signal, may be registered in a central database (310). An enhancedaudio signal, such as an electromagnetic signal or acoustic waves,encoding the one or more resource identifiers is broadcast or otherwisetransmitted to a user device (320). A user device, such as, for example,a smart phone, detects the enhanced audio signal and extracts and/ordecodes the embedded one or more resource identifiers (330). The userdevice may perform some appropriate and/or designated action (340)associated with the one or more embedded resource identifiers, such as,for example, initiating and running an appropriate application inresponse to the one or more resource identifiers, requesting a networkresource such as a webpage corresponding to the resource identifier,sending an email, calling a telephone number, etc.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 illustrating a method of registering and usingthe one or more resource identifiers in an enhanced audio signal. In theembodiment illustrated by FIG. 4, one or more resource identifiers usedto obtain one or more resources are transmitted to a user. In FIG. 4,the one or more resource identifiers that are to be used with anenhanced audio signal and the associated resources are registered in adatabase, such as, for example, one or more central databases or otherregistries (410). An enhanced audio signal encoding the one or moreresource identifiers is broadcast or otherwise transmitted (420). Alocal device, such as, for example, a smart phone, detects the acousticsignal, receives the enhanced audio signal, and extracts and/or decodesthe embedded one or more identifiers (430).

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the local device may send the one or moreresource identifiers, or a portion or portions thereof, to the centralregistry to obtain information on how to access the one or moreresources (440). The user device performs some appropriate and/ordesignated action in connection with the information provided by thecentral registry to obtain the resources (450), such as, for example,initiating and running an appropriate application, requesting a networkresource such as a webpage corresponding to the one or more resourceidentifiers, generating an email, calling a telephone number, etc. Insome embodiments, the appropriate and/or designated actions (450) mayinclude, for example, resolving a URI, URN, and/or URL to an IP address,requesting a web page associated with that IP address, etc.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart 500 illustrating a method of registering resourceidentifiers to be used in enhanced audio signals. Initially, a requestis received to register a resource identifier (510). In someembodiments, the resource identifier may be an index into the centraldatabase and/or other registry, and may be used to obtain associatedresources. The request may be sent by any type of entity, including, forexample, a resource provider, such as a retailer, a marketer, or anyother type of organization; or one or more individuals, etc. The centraldatabase and/or other registry associates the resource identifier withinformation on how to access a resource associated with the resourceidentifier and registers or stores this information pairing in adatabase (520).

Next, a request sent from a user device may be received by the centraldatabase or other registry (530). The request may include the resourceidentifier or a portion thereof. Next, the central database or registryresolves the resource identifier by looking up the resource identifier(or portion thereof) in the database and locating resource accessinformation associated with the resource identifier (530), which maythen be sent to the user device (540).

In some embodiments, the request may then be recorded by the centraldatabase or registry (550), for example, noting the requesting userdevice, the requested resource or resource identifier, the resourceaccess information provided to the user device, the resource identifierregistrant, etc. An analysis (555) may then be performed on the recordedrequests to analyze individual and/or aggregate profile information inorder to provide tailored information to the user, such asadvertisements, media, etc. For example, the central database, softwareor hardware on a user device enabling the service, or another device maycollect details regarding the user's activities, which may enable thecentral database or registry to develop intelligence on real-timeresponse to the broadcast material, develop content consumption habitsof the users, help advertisers better target commercials and content tothe user, develop customized destination for each user or group ofusers, and perform other similar functions. For example, the centraldatabase may maintain a profile of each user and/or user device thatrequests identifiers obtained via enhanced audio signals.

The methods and systems described herein may be used by and incorporatedin a variety of user devices, including mobile phones, IP-connectedtelevisions, ebook readers, laptops, netbooks, and other personalcomputers, and may be also be beneficial when used with those devicesthat lack a full keyboard or other convenient text input device.

In some embodiments because the system may direct users seamlessly to adestination, an application with malicious intent or legitimateapplication with compromised security may redirect the user to anefarious destination thus potentially perpetuating fraud. To combatthis, software and hardware applications on the user devices may includecryptographic certificates that check for the authenticity and securityof the destination resource with a central database, or other mechanismsfor verifying the authenticity and/or security of a destinationresource.

The following examples are provided as illustrations only, and it willbe understood that they do not limit the disclosed embodiments beyondthe terms in the claims appended hereto.

Broadcast Program: In one example, a user may be watching a televisionbroadcast, such as of the Super Bowl, that is broadcast with resourceidentifiers. The user may desire statistics for various players or teamsin the game, and may activate a resource identifier application on amobile telephone, computer, or other electronic device. The applicationmay receive an audio signal from a television (e.g., in the form ofacoustic waves) or a broadcast antenna (e.g., in the form of anelectromagnetic signal), identify and decode a resource identifier fromthe signal, and send the resource identifier to a central registry, suchas VERISIGN™. The central registry may then translate that identifierinto a relevant URL and send it back to the application, which navigatesto destination webpage or site in a browser of the device.

Advertising Campaign: As another example, a marketing company mayregister a resource identifier for a particular product or group ofproducts, and the resource identifier may be carried in a commercialthat is transmitted via broadcast or other media transmission. Aconsumer listening to the commercial may be directed to a resource,e.g., a web page or website, by activating an application on theirphone. In some embodiments, all commercials for a particular product orgroup of products may use the same resource identifier, and the user maybe directed to a common webpage. In other embodiments, each commercialfor a particular product or group of products may use a differentresource identifier, and the user may be directed to either a commonwebpage or a specific webpage for each commercial.

Geolocational Advertising: In embodiments having GPS-derived geolocationinformation, an identifier and/or destination resource may be used inconnection with geolocation information to identify stores or businessesrelated to the resource identifier and/or resource within apredetermined vicinity of the user device. That is, the enhanced audiosignal may provide the same resource identifier to all listeningdevices, irrespective of location. However, each listening device mayrequest resolution from a resolution server by providing not only theresource identifier extracted from the enhanced audio signal, but alsoan indication of the device's current geographic location. Accordingly,the resolution server may provide different resource access informationto each requesting device depending on each device's geographiclocation.

Promotional Codes: As another example, the resource identifier may be apromotional code, and the encoded promotional code may be embeddedwithin an enhanced audio signal in the foam of an acoustic signal. Insuch an embodiment, the acoustic signal may be an advertising “jingle”or the like. The user device may be configured to decode the resourceidentifier and display the promotional code to the user. The user, inturn, may access a web page and may use the promotional code at the timeof check-out in an e-commerce transaction to avail him/herself ofdiscounts. For example, a DISNEY™ advertisement could have an encodedpromotional code, such as, for example, “mickey55,” embedded in theaudio signal. The user device may decode this promotional code, and theuser would be able to use this promotional code to purchase tickets toDISNEYLAND™ at a discounted price. In some embodiments, in addition to aresource identifier being a promotional code, a second resourceidentifier may be provided in the same acoustic signal thatautomatically directs the user to a purveyor of the promotional code.

Security and/or Emergency Applications: In some embodiments, the decodedresource identifier is itself useful information that could convey somemessage to the user or be stored in the user device for later action.The action may, in some cases be mandatory, while in others the actionmay not be mandatory. For example, in military applications, theresource identifier may be a command message, a secret message, aclassified message, etc. to one or more soldiers and/or civiliansconnected to the military. As another example, during a time of crisis,such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, tornado, etc., the resourceidentifier may include an alert message for one or more users.

Automatic Contest Registry and/or Voting: As still another example, theresource identifier may be associated with a web page or websiteassociated with an online and/or broadcast contest. For example, a usermay be able to cast votes for favorite contestants in television orother broadcast shows, such as, for example, AMERICAN IDOL™, AMERICA'SGOT TALENT™, or the like.

DVD/Blu-Ray: DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, or other similar media may be soldwith resource identifiers embedded in one or more audio tracks of themedia. As the consumer is watching the movie or listening to the DVD,the consumer can activate an application to obtain and decode a resourceidentifier from the acoustic signal provided by the viewing device. Theresource identifier may direct the consumer to a destination webpage orsite that sells merchandise associated with the movie or music.

Radio: A user listening to breaking news being broadcast with resourceidentifiers may want more details on the topic of the news report. Theuser may activate an appropriate application to capture the resourceidentifier, which will then direct the user to a webpage, site, or otherresource that provides additional details about the news story or otherevent.

Device with No IP connectivity: A user may be listening to breaking newsbeing broadcast with resource identifiers and want more details on thenews story. The user may activate an application using a device that iseither not connected to the Internet or cannot connect to the Internet.The application may communicate to the central database or registry viatext message, e.g., SMS, MMS, etc., and receive in return a phone numberto call. In some cases, such as where the user's device is a mobilephone, the software application may launch a call to the phone numberprovided by the central database or registry.

Another embodiment of the methods and apparatus described in thisapplication can help enable secure zones. For example, in certain highsecurity buildings, areas, or the like, there may be security zones atthe perimeter. In such an embodiment, any device passing through thesecurity zone may be instructed, via microwave signals or the like, toenforce a set of pre defined policies for files (documents,presentations, emails, pictures, spreadsheets, etc.) on the device.Thus, for example, codes embedded in the microwave signals can indicateto the device to disallow email forwarding, or document sharing. In suchan embodiment, a user device outside the zone will not be able to accessfiles designated as secure on the user device when the user device isnot in the pre-defined secure zone. In another embodiment, codesembedded in the signals can indicate to the device to erase, disable,destroy, rewrite, or otherwise manipulate emails or other files thatwere acquired in the secure zone or when leaving the secure zone.

In one exemplary embodiment, a resource provider registers a first URLand a resource identifier, such as a numerical identifier, with aresolution service provider. The resolution service provider stores thefirst URL and the resource identifier in a central database, along withan association between the two. A transmitting device transmits anelectromagnetic signal or acoustic signal that includes the resourceidentifier within the transmitted data. A first user device detects theresource identifier within the signal and makes an HTTP request to aresolution server that includes the resource identifier. The resolutionserver looks up the resource identifier in the central database tolocate the first URL associated with the resource identifier, and sendsthe first URL back to the first user device. The first user device thensends an HTTP request to a resource provider server associated with thefirst URL for a resource specified by the first URL. The resourceprovider server then transmits a webpage associated with the first URLback to the first user device.

At a later time, the resource provider communicates with the resolutionservice provider or resolution server to re-associate the resourceidentifier with a second URL that differs from the first URL. Atransmitting device transmits an electromagnetic signal or acousticsignal that includes the resource identifier within the transmitteddata. A second user device detects the resource identifier within thesignal and makes an HTTP request to the resolution server that includesthe resource identifier. The resolution server looks up the resourceidentifier in the central database to locate the second URL associatedwith the resource identifier, and sends the second URL back to thesecond user device. The second user device then sends an HTTP request toa resource provider server associated with the second URL for a resourcespecified by the second URL. The resource provider server then transmitsa webpage associated with the second URL back to the second user device.In this manner, the resource provider is able to modify which resourceusers may access using the resource identifier embedded in the enhancedaudio signal, without changing the resource identifier itself or theenhanced audio signal.

The embodiments and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailedin the foregoing description. It should be noted that the featuresillustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, andfeatures of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as theskilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which the embodiments pertain.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particularmethodology, protocols, topologies, etc., as described herein, as thesemay vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. Various modificationsand variations of the described methods and systems of the disclosedembodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Indeed, variousmodifications of the described modes for carrying out the inventionwhich are obvious to those skilled in the relevant arts or fields areintended to be within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A computer-implemented method for providing a resource through anaudio signal, the method comprising: generating an enhanced audiosignal, the enhanced audio signal encoding resource identifier data,wherein the resource identifier data represents a resource identifierassociated with a resource; and transmitting the enhanced audio signalto one or more user devices.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim1, wherein generating the enhanced audio signal comprises: encoding theresource identifier data within the audio signal such that soundassociated with the resource identifier data is non-perceptible tohumans when the audio signal is converted to acoustic sound.
 3. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein generating the enhancedaudio signal comprises: encoding the resource identifier data within theaudio signal such that sound associated with the resource identifierdata is non-comprehensible to humans when the audio signal is convertedto acoustic sound.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein generating the enhanced audio signal comprises: encoding theresource identifier data within the audio signal as a digital watermark.5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein generating theenhanced audio signal comprises: encoding the resource identifier datawithin the audio signal as a digital fingerprint.
 6. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the resource identifiercomprises one or more of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a UniformResource Identifier (URI), a Uniform Resource Number (URN), a domainname, or an Internet Protocol (IP) address.
 7. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, wherein the resource identifier data comprises theresource.
 8. A computer-implemented method for accessing a resourcespecified by an audio signal, the method comprising: receiving anenhanced audio signal, the enhanced audio signal encoding resourceidentifier data, wherein the resource identifier data represents aresource identifier associated with a resource; detecting the resourceidentifier data within the enhanced audio signal; extracting theresource identifier from the resource identifier data; and retrievingthe resource identified by the resource identifier.
 9. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the resource identifiercomprises one or more of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a UniformResource Identifier (URI), a Uniform Resource Number (URN), a domainname, or an Internet Protocol (IP)address.
 10. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 9, wherein retrieving the resource further comprises:downloading a webpage associated with the resource identifier.
 11. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the resource identifiercomprises an email address.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim11, wherein retrieving the resource further comprises: sending an emailto the email address.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 8,wherein the resource identifier comprises a phone number.
 14. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein retrieving the resourcefurther comprises: initiating a phone call to the phone number.
 15. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein retrieving the resourcefurther comprises: sending a text message to the phone number.
 16. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the resource identifiercomprises an index identifier to a resource provider server.
 17. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein retrieving the resourcefurther comprises: sending the index identifier to the resource providerserver; receiving resource identifier access information from theresource provider server; and retrieving the resource using the resourceidentifier access information.
 18. A computer-implemented method forproviding access to a resource specified by an audio signal, the methodcomprising: receiving a first request from a first device to register aresource or resource identifier; registering the resource or resourceidentifier in a database; generating an index identifier correspondingto the resource or resource identifier; sending the index identifier tothe first device for encoding within an audio signal; receiving a secondrequest from a second device for the resource or resource identifier,wherein the second request includes the index identifier; and sendingthe resource or resource identifier or information for accessing theresource to the second device.
 19. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 18, further comprising: receiving a plurality of requests fordifferent resources or resource identifiers from a plurality ofdifferent devices; storing records of information associated with theplurality of requests into memory; and generating a user profiledatabase based on the stored records.